Taste of Japan Summer Tour 2027
Destination Highlights for the Taste of Japan Summer Tour:
Nagoya – Mt. Fuji – Hamamatsu – Kawaguchiko – Matsumoto – Kamikochi – Takayama – Shirakawa-go
Tour Dates (Full Package):
June 14 – June 25, 2027
Full Package: $4,790/person
(includes airfare from HNL)
Land Package: $3,790/person
(does not include airfare from HNL)
Special Offer: Book by November 30, 2026 for $100 off!
Taste of Japan Summer Tour Overview
At HIS, we know that the best way to experience culture is to taste it! That’s why we’ve created the Taste of Japan Summer Tour, set in the heartland of Japan — where culture and cuisine are deeply intertwined. Learn to make soba like the locals, catch slippery eels at a real unagi farm, harvest fresh melons and in Shizuoka, and even press your own sake — and so much more! Plus, each meal is curated to highlight regional cuisine that shines in summer. In addition to these incredible and unique gourmet experiences, this tour is filled with beautiful scenery, including breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and a visit to the historical village of Shirakawa-go (a UNESCO World Heritage Site!). This tour is sure to be a tantalizing experience for all the senses!
We’ll take care of everything so you don’t have to.
What’s included on the Taste of Japan Summer Tour:
Transportation
- Round-trip flights with Japan Airlines from Honolulu (Full Package only)
- A private driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
Meals
- 25 delicious meals, carefully curated with local flavors and regional specialties (12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 11 dinners)
- No hidden fees! HIS includes more meals than any other travel agency!
Accommodations
- 10 nights at premium accommodations, including six nights with first-class hot springs
- Tired of switching hotels all the time? We include consecutive stays multiple times throughout the tour. No unpacking and repacking every night!
And More!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
- $200 repeater discount on all future HIS tours
Cultural Activities
- An immersive unagi (eel) farm experience in Hamamatsu, learning about one of the region’s signature culinary specialties
- A hands-on soba noodle-making class and chopstick making workshop
- A sweet Japanese melon tasting experience at Izu fruit park and tour + tasting at Daio Wasabi Farm
- Sake brewery and miso brewery visits, with tastings and a hands-on sake-pressing experience
- A creative miniature food sample workshop, trying your hand at the uniquely Japanese craft of realistic food replicas
- Cultural sightseeing in Takayama and Shirakawa-go, exploring historic streets and the thatched-roof village of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Taste of Japan Summer Tour Itinerary
June 14, 2027: Honolulu Departure (Day 1)
Begin your journey by meeting your tour leader and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport (HNL). Relax before your flight to Nagoya with Japan Airlines (JAL), known for their outstanding in-flight service and excellent meals.
June 15, 2027: Arrival in Japan (Day 2)
Land at Chubu Airport in Nagoya in the evening and meet your bus to transfer to your hotel. Check in, relax, and rest up for your big adventure!
- Hotel: Nagoya Kanko Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: –
June 16, 2027: Tako, Flowers & Miso – Oh My! (Day 3)
Start your culinary journey with an octopus boiling experience. Next, walk it off with a relaxing stroll in Ajisai no Sato’s beautiful hydrangea garden. In the afternoon, explore an authentic miso brewery, complete with tastings. End the day with Hamamatsu’s iconic gyoza for dinner.
- Hotel: Okura ACT City (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
June 17, 2027: Hamamatsu Flavors & Fun (Day 4)
Shop ‘til you drop at AEON Mall, then visit a local unagi (eel) farm for a quintessential Hamamatsu farm experience and lunch. In the afternoon, tour a sake brewery and try your hand at pressing sake like a pro. Cap off the day with a warm shabu-shabu dinner.
- Hotel: Okura ACT City (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
June 18, 2027: Japanese Tea & Melons (Day 5)
In the morning, visit Gyokuro no Sato for a tea ceremony experience, plus your choice of one more activity. After lunch, enjoy shopping at Fujikawa Rakuza, where you can shop under views of stunning Mt. Fuji. Round out the day with a melon tasting experience at Izu Fruit Park.
- Hotel: Hotel Regina (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
June 19, 2027: Fantastic Mt. Fuji (Day 6)
Kick start your day with a stroll through Oshino Hakkai, where you can see more views of Mt. Fuji. Then, learn about this sacred mountain at Fujisan World Heritage Center. After a delicious lunch, see what Japan’s wine scene is all about with a winery cellar tour, seminar, and tasting.
- Hotel: Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
June 20, 2027: Matsumoto Spice (Day 7)
Start your day with a spicy tour at the legendary Daio Wasabi Farm. For lunch, learn to make your own soba noodles! Then, relax at the Hakuba Mountain Harbor for breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps. Don’t forget to check out the delicious baked goods at the mountain bakery!
- Hotel: Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
June 21, 2027: Cooling off in Kamikochi (Day 8)
Journey into the stunning Kamikochi valley and take a peaceful stroll in locals’ favorite summer getaway spot, surrounded by the crystal clear waters source from the Japanese Alps. In the afternoon, learn to make your very own chopsticks, plus a pouch to hold them in!
- Hotel: Mercure Hida Takayama (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
June 22, 2027: World Heritage Wonders (Day 9)
Wander the charming streets of Takayama Old Town at your own pace, shop, and soak up local life. Later, head to the iconic Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Japan’s thatched-roof houses.
- Hotel: Mercure Hida Takayama (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
June 23, 2027: Nagoya Samples & Swords (Day 10)
Create miniature food samples in a fun morning workshop. Later, check out the Seki Sword Museum and learn about the craft behind Japan’s knifemaking. Finish the day with a memorable crab kaiseki dinner.
- Hotel: Nagoya Kanko Hotel(or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
June 24, 2027: Full Free Day in Nagoya (Day 11)
Enjoy a full free day in Nagoya to dine, shop, and explore the city at your own pace. Need suggestions? Just ask!
- Hotel: Nagoya Kanko Hotel (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
June 25, 2027: Return Home (Day 12)
Enjoy a late checkout until departure for the airport in the evening to do any last minute shopping or packing. Head to Kansai Airport and fly nonstop back to Honolulu with Japan Airlines. Welcome home!
- Hotel: —
- Meals: Breakfast
Pricing
Early-booking Special Offer:
Book by November 30, 2026 to SAVE $100!
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$4,790.00*
$3,790.00**
$500.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: June marks the beginning of Japan’s rainy season, bringing warm weather and occasional showers. Expect daytime temperatures generally in the 70s to low 80s°F, with cooler temperatures in the 60s°F in mountainous areas such as Kamikochi and Hakuba. Rain is possible throughout the trip, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and a compact umbrella or rain jacket. For visiting the Japanese Alps, bring an extra layer for cooler mountain temperatures.
The main distinction is that Nagoya and Hamamatsu will feel warmer and more humid, while the Japanese Alps will be noticeably cooler. June is also within the rainy season (tsuyu), so rain preparation is important.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes! Short periods of unstructured free time are built into the schedule for shopping and exploring at your own pace, including a full free day in Nagoya.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: Yes! The tour includes 26 exceptional meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 9 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern 4-star hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu and Japan are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
